Gilead shares broke out impulsively – a “Kick-off” initial trigger – above the $25.00 level in early 2012 which ignited the impulsive, powerful trend move from $25.00 to the current $85.00 level of today.

From there, a stable “Arc Trendline” developed until shares went Parabolic and violently retraced from the $60.00 level down almost to $45.00 – a 25% move in a few months.

Not to be outdone, buyers continued the campaign of accumulation, accelerating the broader trend in motion that led to two additional breakout events as highlighted.

Note the increase in volatility as seen in the 3/10 Momentum Oscillator – the trend has moved to a less stable structure than at the beginning, which warrants more caution instead of outright bullishness.

Let’s drop to a closer inspection of the Daily Chart to discuss what’s happening now:

We see the most recent impulsive pro-trend breakout event that triggered in October 2013 on the breakthrough beyond $65.00 per share.

From there, an Ascending Triangle price pattern developed, culminating in the recent January breakout opportunity.

A retracement to the apex of the triangle – and the confluence support of the trendline, rising 50 day EMA, and the lower Bollinger Band – allowed for an aggressive pro-trend retracement support entry that was successful (it had a tight stop if the trend reversed instead of continuing).

We now trade to all-time highs into $84.00 per share on lower momentum and volume in the context of a fully developed (mature) trend.

Gilead (GILD) offers additional lessons in terms of breakout and retracement entries into an accelerating trend. Watch the current price and EMA levels for reference and additional possible swing and intraday opportunities.